Charges dropped against Lykes in school cafeteria incident

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — Supporters filed into the Carroll County courthouse Wednesday in support of a West Carroll High School staff member charged with simple assault and coercion or persuasion of a witness.

Bernard Lykes was arrested on September 17 on the charges.

Wednesday, the 14-year old boy Lykes is accused of assaulting took the stand during the preliminary hearing.

During the hearing, the court viewed surveillance video from the school cafeteria where the incident occurred. The child said the actions of Lykes caused him to be in fear.

Defense attorney Anna Cash countered and argued the incident.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Michael King said he did not see where the state provided sufficient evidence to bind Lykes over to the grand jury on the charges, and all charges were dismissed.

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